Oamaru: Armed services remembered

Iconz 4 Girlz members from left Willow Johnson (4), Bella Johnson (6) and Charli Boyle (6) place...
Iconz 4 Girlz members from left Willow Johnson (4), Bella Johnson (6) and Charli Boyle (6) place sprigs of rosemary on plaques and headstones of services personnel. Photo by Shannon Gillies.
Children from various social and service clubs gathered with their leaders at the services section of the Oamaru Cemetery yesterday, to take part in the Red Cross posy-laying ceremony.

At least 60 people attended and placed flowers on headstones in memory of those who served in various overseas conflicts.

Waitaki Boys' High School pupil Aljay Rankin (13) said such ceremonies were important as they helped children and teenagers to better understand the history of the armed services.

"We have to remember Anzac Day because it was so big and they fought for us and we have to remember what they did for us. All conflicts, everyone who went and fought to help New Zealand. They're all great, equally.''

St John Oamaru station manager Bob Wilson said the ceremony was about instilling in young people knowledge of the impact of warfare and what it had done to various communities.

"It's good for them to remember and learn what people went through, so we could have the life we lead today.''

Iconz 4 Girlz, a Girls Brigade New Zealand affiliate, spokeswoman Jessie Tepper said the event gave children a greater understanding of the community and their own history.

shannon.gillies@odt.co.nz

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